Chesang reigns as Kimaiyo wins women's 21km race during Chemususu Dam Half Marathon

Kirui Chesang crosses the finishing line to win the men's 21km race during Chemususu Dam Half Marathon in Eldama Ravine Baringo County, yesterday. [PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/standard]

Kurui Chesang’ of Koibatek won the inaugural Chemususu Half Marathon after beating a field of over 200 runners to take home Sh100,000 at Chemususu Dam in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, yesterday.

Chesang’ registered a time of 1:4.33 ahead of Justus Kangogo who finished in 1:4:36 and Hillary Kemboi who stopped the clock in 1:4:41.

“The race was very tough especially along steep slopes of Chemususu Forest,” Chesang’, 24, said of the race that is sponsored by the Standard Group to the tune of Sh6 million.

“I managed to beat my opponents on the steep slopes due to my resilience and experience from the international championships.”

Chesang’s last performance in the international championships was in the Gabon Marathon in Libreville in December last year.

He registered a record time of 2:14.00 to win the title.

In the fourth position was Jackson Lelei in 1:04.56 who was followed by Mathews Koech in 1:05.06.

Others were Mark Biwott (1:05.10), Stephen Kiplangat (1:05.15), Gilbert Kemboi (1:05.26), Bernard Kipngetich (1:05.26) and Josephat Kimutai (1.0548) in that order.

All the top ten finishers received cash prizes.

Thirty year-old Nancy Kimaiyo of Iten won the women’s 21km race in1:15.48 to pocket the Sh100,000 prize money.

She beat Eunice Chebichii who timed 1:16.45. Pamella Jemeli was third in 1:16.55.

Joan Kibet of Elgeyo Marakwet was fourth in 1:18.04 ahead of Baringo’s Prisca Bartenge who cloked 1:18.24.

FININSHED SIXTH

Ivy Lagat finished sixth in 1:18.32 ahead of Valery Jemeli of Elgeyo Marakwet who timed 1:19.02 and Nancy Arusei of Marakwet who clocked 1:19.19.

Other finishers in top ten were Naomi Kipkemboi of Keiyo (1:19.29) and Christine Chepkemei of Uasin Gishu (1:20.11).

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi promised to improve sports infrastructure in the county by improving Kabarnet and Eldama Ravine stadiums.

“For our talented runners to excel at international championships, there must be good facilities by my county government,” he said.

In the women’s 10 kilometre race, Naomi Maiyo won 34 minutes 44.44 seconds ahead of Marion Limo 34:47.76, while Valentine Kibet was third in 34:54.33.

Silvia Kipyegon and Alice Koech finished fourth and fifth in 35:07.76 and 35:44.75 respectively.

Amos Kaptich won the men’s 10km in 29 minutes 52.92 seconds ahead of Enock Mitei in 29:56.87, while Joel Meli was third in 29.57.07.

Emmanuel Bett and Weldon Mitei were fourth and fifth after timing 30:16.30 and 30:17.90 respectively.

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